C O N F I D E N T I A L BERLIN 000678

SIPDIS, NEA/IR FOR THIBAULT

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/08/2019
TAGS: CASC PGOV PHUM PINR PREL PROP PTER IR GM
SUBJECT: IRAN: SABERI DEMARCHE DELIVERED

REF: A) SECSTATE 49083 B) E-MAILS PAETZOLD - DEPARTMENT

Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Jeffrey Rathke for reasons
1.4(b)/(d).


1. (C) Acting Political Section Chief met with MFA Middle
East Director Sabine Sparwasser on June 3, 2009 to deliver
Ref A. A/POL Chief expressed USG gratitude for German
assistance in the case, in particular the public declarations
in early May by MFA Human Rights Commissioner Gunther Nooke
calling for Ms. Saberi's release. Sparwasser expressed the
German government's happiness with the release. She noted
that the MFA had feared that Saberi would be held in Iran
after her release from prison "as one more pawn" for the
Iranian government to use in their political maneuvering.
Sparwasser described Saberi's release as a real gesture by
the Iranian side, one that must have been approved at the
very top. She added that the German government had suggested
to visiting Iranians a month or two ago that releasing Saberi
would be a very good gesture at little cost to Iran.


2. (C) When asked about the other two ACS cases raised in
Ref A, Sparwasser noted that while Germany is "constantly"
asking about Esha Momeni, there seemed to be little movement.
Ms. Momeni is apparently still awaiting trial; however, said
Sparwasser, at least she is not in prison and seemingly not
in danger for the moment. Germany continues to have no
details on the whereabouts or condition of Robert Levinson,
she added.
Koenig